Runners battled it out in at the women’s series 10K and 5K in Toronto

Today in Toronto, a huge crowd of women runners participated in one of the Toronto Women’s Run Series events– the women’s 10K and 5K at Sunnybrook Park.

The Goodlife Fitness sponsored event went ahead in cooler conditions (perfect for running) at just near the 20C point with clouds. This is the seventh year the event has been running in the city.

Many fast women were battling it out on the course today. The champion of the 10K race was Ashley Comstock who crossed the line first running a 38:08. She had quite the lead over the rest of the pack. The second-place runner was Laura Mclean who ran a sub-40 minute 10K clocking a 39:17. Roksana Kapusta placed third finishing in 40:56. (Full results can be seen here.)

Those who led the 5K also showed some extra quick times. Erin McClure was the first runner in winning the race in 17:17. Brittany Moran was not far behind finishing in 17:32. Third place went to Jennifer Faraone in 17:46.

About the race

The women’s series writes that their mission is to motivate women to come set the pace. The idea is to bring women into a friendly environment and allow them to meet other women runners. Participants of today’s race got a medal and black T-shirt with “Women set the pace,” written on the back.

On the course today runners saw signs aiming to motivate an all-female crowd. As well, firefighters were brought in to help hydrate the women by giving them cups of water on the course. After crossing the line, runners were rewarded with chocolate.

Today’s event raised $10,000 which goes towards the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario. For scenes from the race course, see below.

This came in handy! Firefighter water boys ?, treats helped too! Fun 57:26 10K #womensetthepace #RunnerBliss pic.twitter.com/dVtj8QRxvN

— Joyce Hwang (@joyciehwang) August 29, 2015

34:36!!! Woohoo! Feeling good about my @TOWomensRuns finish time. 🙂 pic.twitter.com/PzsCCioXhm — kristalamb (@kristalamb) August 29, 2015

Toronto Women’s 10K #toronto #Women pic.twitter.com/frQuRVDqAM

— Fatima Goldstein (@fatamaria) August 29, 2015

and finished! thx for a great race/course/volunteers @TOWomensRuns #towomensrun pic.twitter.com/bN9zNQUjJr

— Shannon Thibodeau (@SEThibodeau) August 29, 2015

Tag your friends! #womensetthepace pic.twitter.com/C3LVLsWP0i — Toronto Women’s Runs (@TOWomensRuns) August 29, 2015

Thanks @TOWomensRuns for another great race!#10K #womensetthepace #PRforme pic.twitter.com/MmU0XUeVO2

— Shari Lichterman (@slichterman) August 29, 2015

Your top three in the 10k (left to right): Roksana Kapusta, Ashley Comstock, and Laura McLean! Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/d4FYqLmwCw — Toronto Women’s Runs (@TOWomensRuns) August 29, 2015

Your top two finishers in the 5k with their awards: Brittany Moran and Erin McClure! Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/2jruoHqelx

— Toronto Women’s Runs (@TOWomensRuns) August 29, 2015

Friends and family at the post-race party – tag your friends! pic.twitter.com/QHh5Q3YdSb — Toronto Women’s Runs (@TOWomensRuns) August 29, 2015